I've been in the exercise 'game' long enough to know that if I don't switch it up and challenge myself I will soon be bored and lose my motivation to work out consistently. Early on in my weight loss journey I soon realized that I can never be the girl who just does her 40 minutes on the eliptical or treadmill and that's it! I know because I used to be that girl! A lot of people dread working out (myself included sometimes) and I truly believe that part of the reason is because they don't change up their workout routine. Here are some of the things that I've tried and LOVE!

Zumba! - I'm quite sure most of you have heard about Zumba, but for those who haven't Zumba is a latin inspired dance fitness program. Most gyms offer Zumba classes and they are normally about an hour long. Talk about burning major calories! don't have a gym membership? No worries! If you have any sort of gaming system (I have a Wii) there are Zumba fitness video games that you can do in the comfort of your own home!

Bike Riding - Ok ok so it might be a bit too cold to indulge in a bike ride right now since most of us are still experincing winter (I'm seriously jealous if you live in a warm weather state!), but Bike Riding is a great form of exercise that doesn't even really feel like exercise! My honey bunches of oats (boyfriend) and I love to bike during the warm months, whether it be on a trail or just around the neighborhood.

Walk/Jog - The great thing about walking/jogging is that it can be done year around thanks to treadmills. Personally I really enjoy walking/jogging when I'm outside in the elements (in Spring/Summer). If you enjoy being out and about as much as I do in the beautiful weather then this is a great and simple way to incorporate exercise!

Strength Training - For the longest I've been intimidated by strength training. Normally when I hear those two words I instantly invision some huge muscle head who spends 8 hours a day in the gym! I also feared bulking up. Well the truth of the matter is that strength training not only makes you stronger, but it makes you leaner and more toned. Interested in strength training, but have no idea where to start? I've got just the solution and it is a wonderful and FREE app that can be downloaded to Iphones and Androids called Bodyspace. It's an app that was developed by bodybuilding.com that has multiple free workout plans that you can choose from depending on your body's needs. This is great for a gal like me who enjoys strength training, but wants to keep the process as uncomplicated as possible!

No matter what it is that you do it's imporant that you get moving and I don't just mean for weight loss benefits! Sometimes that can be hard when boredom strikes. Hopefully some of my favorite exercises will help the next time you feel boredom start to creep up!

14 comments:

I have a serious case of exercise ADD! So I heart switching things up constantly. Plus, I've realized that when I get bored---I get unmotivated too. A deadly combo! Thanks for reminding me to pull out my Zumba DVDs.

I Love this article. I can relate. After a while working out gets boring! It is what it is! But, if you shake it up, Your right it can be become more interesting than same o same o. Love it!

I'd like to add, using videos from Youtube to spice things up pertaining to weight training is a PLUS. Its like finding a candy store with candy that has rollercoasters and healthy snacks that taste like candy.